A message from

Senate President Pro TemRon Richard, Missouri

Southern Legislative Conference Chair, 2017-2018

Dear Friends,

I am honored to serve as your Chair for the 2017–2018 term, and I look forward to hosting the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) in St. Louis, July 21–25, 2018, along with my colleagues in the Missouri General Assembly.

During my association with the SLC, I have learned that our regional legislative conferences, under the umbrella of The Council of State Governments, are the sounding boards for state elected officials; they are events where we can share our new, innovative programs and services, discuss regional developments for a vast array of issues, and compare ideas among close colleagues and neighbors. From these opportunities come possibilities.

The Southern Legislative Conference's unique convening power – sustained for more than seven decades – has enabled us to bring together diverse voices from within our region, helping to clarify differences and find practical solutions to shared governmental problems. Nowhere is our mission more on display than during our annual meetings, where we bring expertise, balance and informed debate to the state-level discussion of policy options.

As our legislatures convene in 2018, we will continue to seek solutions to the many challenges facing our states. The SLC is uniquely positioned to assist its members in this endeavor. As you prepare for your legislative sessions, I urge you to utilize the many programs and services available to you.

I look forward to working with you during my term, and I extend a personal invitation to each of you to "Meet Me in Missouri" in July.

The Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) of The Council of State Governments was established in 1947 and comprises presiding officers and key legislators from 15 Southern states. The SLC is a non-partisan organization located in Atlanta, Georgia.